Background: Colovaginal fistula is a rare condition associated with significant morbidity. The literature characterizing colovaginal fistula repair is sparse. We present our institution's experience treating colovaginal fistulas.
Methods: A retrospective review of all patients surgically treated for colovaginal fistula between 2005 and 2015 was performed. Patient demographics, intra-operative details, and post-operative outcomes were reviewed.
Results: We identified 27 patients with a mean age of 71 (±13) and BMI of 30 (±9). The most common etiology for fistula was diverticulitis (n = 24, 89%). A laparoscopic approach was initiated in 19 patients (70%) and an open approach for 8 (30%) with 8 patients converted from laparoscopy to open (42%). At a mean follow-up of 18 months (±21), there were no recurrences.
Conclusion: We present one of the largest series of the surgical management of colovaginal fistulas. Although our conversion rate was high, we recommend a laparoscopic approach be utilized when feasible.
Keywords: Colovaginal; Diverticulitis; Fistula; Laparoscopy.
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